POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

BNP Chief Akhtar Mengal Resigns from National Assembly, Expresses Disillusionment with Balochistan's Situation

Akhtar Mengal, chief of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), announced his resignation from the National Assembly, expressing frustration over the state of affairs in Balochistan and his inability to bring about change.
2024-09-03
BNP Chief Akhtar Mengal Resigns from National Assembly, Expresses Disillusionment with Balochistan's Situation

Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Akhtar Mengal has announced his resignation from the National Assembly, citing profound dissatisfaction with the state of Balochistan and the overall political system in Pakistan.

 

At a press conference held in Islamabad, Mengal expressed his deep frustration, stating that Balochistan is not slipping out of the hands of the federal government—it has already done so. He pointed to the ongoing bloodshed in the province and criticized the lack of meaningful action from the central government to address the situation.

 

Mengal lamented that whenever the issue of Balochistan is raised, it is either ignored or blacked out, leaving the voices of the Baloch people unheard. "I could not do anything for my people," Mengal said, adding that he feels disillusioned with the state, the president, the prime minister, and the entire political system.

 

"I am declaring no confidence in the state, the president, and the prime minister. I am showing no confidence in the entire system," Mengal stated, underscoring his sense of betrayal by the political leadership. He went on to express regret for failing to fulfill the expectations of his 65,000 voters, offering them an apology.

 

Mengal also criticized the current government, calling it "nominal" and expressing that he sees no future in continuing his political career under such circumstances. He even quipped that opening a pakora shop would be more worthwhile than participating in the current political process.

 

Mengal's resignation marks a significant moment in Pakistan's political landscape, particularly concerning the ongoing unrest and dissatisfaction in Balochistan. His departure from the National Assembly raises questions about the future of BNP's role in federal politics and the broader struggle for Baloch rights.